I think a letter to the state board that licenses electrical contractors and inspectors is in order. That's about all you CAN do.
But like you suggested, there are politics involved. If the inspector finds out who has challenged him, you may get no respect at all from him in the future.
Now lets talk Frankly about our inspectors.
In Arizona, all but the city of Phoenix uses "One for All" inspectors. That means the guy was a Plumber, Framer or Roofer before he got this job as inspector. True they have to pass tests and take some classes, but as an Electrical Super for a contractor, i can say Iv'e seen amazing requirements, or they just ignore grounding issues.
Even some of the Electrical Engineers have no clue. Had one tie the Medium Voltage ground to the Low Voltage Ground at one facility. The Utility uses "Y" Transformers, which means the Ground is the current carrier back to the 69kV yard. Guess how much current flowed thru the grounds in that building.
What i would love to see is an Inspector/Engineer that understands Grounding, and how currents flow in them trying to get back to their source. As a weekend Warrior I've had to deal with lots of Ground Loops in various systems. I have solved them, but the inspector does cause some of the issues.
And i would say, If you don't understand all the dangers in grounding, don't start modifying your wiring. Hire someone qualified that specializes in Performance Spaces to help solve the issues correctly, and can take on the inspector when they are wrong. Remember the Lawyers are looking for their next case.
